ARINDRA ‘Gaga’ RAGASTI (DRUMS)
- Born on: 16/04/1981
- Main influences: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Camel
- Previous bands: Pilovator, Voltaire
- First record acquired: Metallica “Ride The Lightning”
- First concert attended: Tengkorak (Local Grind Core Band)
Biography :
Born in April 16th 1981, Gaga was introduced to music by his father. While still in the ages of Elementary School, he listens to The Beatles’ albums, and other classic albums. Later on he was introduced to heavy metal bands such as Guns ‘n Roses, Mr Big, White Lion, etc by his brother, Gig (recent Vantasma’s bass player).
The first musical instrument he played was drums, which he learnt naturally. He was lucky that his father supported him and his brother’s interest of music, and brought them a set of musical instruments. By the ages of 13, he formed a band with his cousin, Dody (recent Vantasma’s manager), with Dody played drums, while Gaga on guitars and vocals. They played cover songs from The Cure, Nirvana, Bon Jovi, and Weezer.
While he was in High School, he formed a band named “Pilovator”, with Joseph Hutagalung (Asphyxiate) on guitars, The late A. Subandi on Guitars, and Danny Andreas on bass. They played cover songs from Metallica, Sepultura, and Megadeth. That was the moment Gaga returned to play drums after some years he played guitars.
Pilovator only last for two years. After the band broke up, Gaga, Danny Andreas and Edi Fitri Gunara formed a band named “Voltaire”. In 2001, they changed the band’s name into “Vantasma”.
Right now, after graduating his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Gaga is fully concentrating in Vantasma and keeps writing compositions for the band.
Favourite Records and Artists:
Metallica - Ride the Lightning
Megadeth - Youthanasia
Angra - Rebirth
Helloween - Keeper I&II, The Time Of The Oath
Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of The Seventh Son
Pantera - Cowboys From Hell
Hypocrisy - Into The Abyss
Guns ‘n Roses - Appetite, Illusions I&II
Mr Big - Big, Bigger, Biggest
Dream Theater - a Change of Seasons
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny
Marillion - Holidays in Eden, Best of Both Worlds
Kaipa - Keyholder
The Flower Kings - Retropolis, Stardust We Are
Camel - Mirage, Snow Goose
Led Zeppelin - Houses of The Holy
Weezer - Pinkerton
The Cranberries - No Need To Argue